what do you do if you cant climb?

[normandylumberjack]

This is a big question, not to be glossed over with flippancy. I've been "on the club" since October, and every day I've been fighting hard to regain strength and fitness so I can return to work. I'm just about there now, 6 months down the line. But what if I just can't do the job any more, i mean the level of fitness is extreme, its one thing being fit, but another to be work fit for this job. management? I'm no manager. Consultant? It's not me. Then what? I really don't know, but I will be back... Somehow!

 

Team leader-

Get a megaphone and a rifle and "motivate" the less able arbs?

[Jack Price]

you could be a stunt fell specialist no need to climb then

that would be an awesome thing to have sign written on your van! aha

[log dog]

i personally think its a case of working smarter not harder ! stop trying to cram 2 days into one have you ever noticed work sites now no one is going at it mental slow down a bit think about things !

[Wolfie]

When i was first training back in 2003, one lecturer said that the average length of time for a climber is 10 years, so therefore i have 1 year left. He was probably not far off with me due to a very dodgy hip.

[Andy Collins]

You're missing the point, the question is what to do if you can't climb? Few seem to allow for this in their career, I'll be alright I'll just climb smarter doesn't wash if you have half your guts cut out, I can still barely bend enough to tie my bootlaces, you don't get choices in life, you have to adapt. If I were a climber, I wouldn't be able to do that job any more, not change the way I do it. This is something everyone should prepare for, eventually. Your back may go, your shoulder may get a rip, you may take a bad fall, or like me require a life-changing op. I'm not being a doom-monger, but plan ahead for a future without climbing just in case.

Oh and have a good sickness and accident cover...just in case.

[Wolfie]

Ever thought of being an insurance salesman Andy.

[Andy Collins]

No, I'd then have to hate myself! but if I hadn't had sickness insurance the last 6months would have been a financial misery.

[Rich2484]

The next job inline for someone in your position is a machine operator, no need for physical graft if you good enough.

 

I done all my machine tickets before I worked in tree surgery or had a chainsaw in my hand so I know I can always fall back on it.

 

I work with machines when not doing arb work or any other work I do is available, sometims I have given days up for machine work when I could be doing arb.

 

Having a second skill in another trade is vital not just in case you can't climb or work in current job, whatever carreer you are in!

[normandylumberjack]

eggs and one basket.

Some people dont have the option to choose a job they love, let alone change from one job they love to a new one in a different area.

If you know your stuff, then a training or teaching post may be an option? or sales in one of the arb shops passing on your wisdom.

I have had to take some fairly crappy jobs to pay the bills, and will again if i have to.

I have been a cleaner of school toilets, pot washer, dogs body, sales assistant. Hated it, but it didnt kill me.

 

Not a rant, but people do the worst jobs with never having enjoyed the delights of topping a coni hedge. Brave lads are returning from afghanistan with major injuries and getting on with less help than they deserve, there is always hope if you know where to look.

[Bing!]

This is a question I have been contemplating recently. I am coming up on 20 years as a climber and have the usual injuries, bad back, tennis elbow(s), struggle to grip with my thumbs, knees that actually creak as I go up stairs, hell, my neck clicks when I turn it...! I'm 41 and I think I may not be climbing till I retire, what do I do? Looked at the usual, consultant, tree officer, but I'm not a paperwork man and groundsman is just as hard going.

Slightly panicky at the moment as baby number 2 is arriving soon and we will be down to my one wage, it's not financially viable for wifey to go back to work after (day care @ £45 per day, minimum 2 days).

The old boys that were on the firm when I arrived are now crippled at 55 and 60, one is a delivery driver, part time, and the other cuts grass part of the year, both for pittance.

 

Any suggestions?

 

Bing!